'There is Nothing Like a Mother'

When I was growing up, my mother always gave me advice.

About the Weather:

• Button up your coat when you go outside and wear your boots, it’s cold (or raining, or snowing) pick one.

• Don’t walk in the puddles.

On Behavior:

• Wait until your father gets home, then you’re gonna get it.

• You never listen to me.

• Always say, Yes and Please and thank you.

• Don’t speak unless an adult speaks to you first. Don’t interrupt.

• Go to church and say your prayers.

• Show respect to your elders.

• Clean your room

On Eating:

• You are not going to leave the table until you finish eating.

• Close your mouth when you are eating.

• Always use a napkin, not your sleeves.

• Don’t talk with your mouth full of food.

• Elbows off the table.

On School:

• Go to bed, you have school tomorrow..

• Get up; you’re going to be late for school.

• Do your homework

On Brotherly Love:

• Don’t fight with your brother.

• You know better, you are older.

• Take your brother with you.

On Appreciation:

• “You should see how I grew up, you’ve got it easy.”

• “Someday you will miss me”.

As we got older, especially in our teens, we began to resent all these rules. We begin to realize how “stupid” our parents are, and how smart we are. We loved them because they were our parents. It was tough to understand and keep all of those rules to live by. We are growing up and we can do things all by ourselves, after all they taught us everything we need to live by.

Sometime in our twenties, and early in our marriage, we suddenly realize all those things Mom told us weren’t so bad. As a matter of fact, we preach the same things to our children. “If it was good for me it’s good for you”. “You should see how I grew up, you’ve got it easy.”

My Mom passed away several years ago. On occasion I think “I wish I could call her and ask her advice. She always gave it so freely”. I miss it. I miss those daily phone calls to me checking to see if everything was all right, can she do something for me.

I didn’t realize it then, but now I do, she loved me unconditionally. She taught me what she could about living, about being polite, about how to take care of myself. All those things I once resented; were her way of teaching me. It worked, I remember them very well. I even practice most of them.

There is nothing like a Mother. As she often reminded me, “I changed your diapers, washed you, dressed you and fed you, and I went without to be sure you had everything”.

She was right again when she said “Someday you will miss me”. I have missed her for many years. Thanks Mom.

For those of us who have lost our Moms, God bless them, and I hope they have a wonderful easy place in heaven. For those who still have your Moms, make them feel special on Mother’s Day, and keep reminding them how great they are.